Week in Reflection

Major Tasks Completed

Client Meeting and Progress Demonstration #256 (opens in a new tab):

This week, we successfully showcased the current state of our Picture Block coding interface to the client. The demonstration included the virtual dog icon movement and UI design, which received positive feedback. The client also provided insights on the physical robotic dog delivery timeline, helping us align our development schedule with upcoming hardware availability.

Improved Layout Structure #270 (opens in a new tab):

We successfully enhanced the layout structure of our application, making it more user-friendly and visually appealing. This improvement is crucial for engaging our target audience—young girls—by creating an inviting interface.

Added Basic Functions #268 (opens in a new tab):

We implemented several basic functions, including the stop button usage, a "press to run" feature for the code, a virtual start block, and a dog bark sound. These additions significantly enhance the interactivity and functionality of our application.

Outcome Space Added #264 (opens in a new tab):

We established an outcome space within the application to display results and feedback from user interactions. This feature is essential for providing users with immediate responses to their coding actions.

Created Poster ##258 (opens in a new tab) and Finished the Video #267 (opens in a new tab):

We designed a poster that visually summarizes our project and its objectives and completed the promotional video showcasing our application’s features and functionalities.

Challenges and Team Dynamics

Challenges Encountered

Delayed Client Requirements Document #261 (opens in a new tab):

The late delivery of the client’s requirements document has limited our time for thorough planning and development. To mitigate this, we promptly reviewed the document and discussed areas needing clarification, ensuring we address potential issues before they arise during development.

Unresponsive Team Member #262 (opens in a new tab):

One team member's long-term unresponsiveness has created uncertainty about task progress. To manage this, we have implemented regular check-ins and set clear expectations for communication. If the situation does not improve, we may need to reassign their tasks to maintain project momentum.

Team Collaboration

This week, our collaboration was bolstered by effective communication during client meetings and tutorial sessions. The structured approach to our audit presentation preparation ensured that all team members were engaged and aware of their responsibilities. By dividing the presentation into sections, we promoted participation and accountability within the team, fostering a sense of shared ownership over our project outcomes.

Learning and Insights

New Skills and Knowledge

We gained valuable insights into the importance of aligning our development efforts with client expectations. The feedback received during our client meeting emphasized the need for a product-centric approach that caters to our target audience—young girls. This understanding will guide our design choices moving forward, ensuring that we create an engaging and enjoyable user experience. Additionally, we learned about the significance of maintaining a clear timeline and effective communication channels with stakeholders. Regular updates and open discussions will help us manage expectations and reduce potential misunderstandings as we approach critical milestones.

Plans for Next Week

Goals for Next Week

Prepare Audit Presentation:

We will focus on creating a comprehensive audit presentation that includes several key components:

• Shadow Team's Outcomes #280 (opens in a new tab): Prepare a 3-minute presentation summarizing the performance and outcomes of our shadow team.
• Next Semester Plan #279 (opens in a new tab): Outline our strategic plan for the upcoming semester, detailing how we intend to build on our current progress.
• Analysis of Undelivered Features #278 (opens in a new tab): Conduct an analysis of any features that were not delivered, along with the underlying causes for their omission.
• Review of Unfulfilled Objectives #277 (opens in a new tab): Reflect on the objectives that were not met and discuss potential improvements moving forward.
• Actual Outcomes #276 (opens in a new tab): Present a detailed overview of what we have achieved thus far in the project.
• Initial Goal of SOW #275 (opens in a new tab): Revisit the initial goals outlined in our Statement of Work to assess alignment with our current progress.
• Project Introduction #274 (opens in a new tab): Provide a clear introduction to the project, ensuring all stakeholders understand its purpose and objectives.

Finalize Presentation Structure:

Ensure that each team member is assigned specific sections of the presentation, allowing for thorough preparation and practice ahead of the audit.

Enhance Documentation:

Continue refining our documentation practices to ensure clarity and completeness in preparation for the audit, focusing on aligning all materials with stakeholder expectations.

Conclusion

Overall, Week 9 was a productive period for the EduKATE Project Team, marked by significant progress in demonstrating our application’s functionality and optimizing key features. While challenges related to delayed requirements and team responsiveness remain, we are committed to addressing these issues proactively. The insights gained this week will guide us as we finalize preparations for Audit 3, ensuring that we deliver a robust product that meets user needs effectively. We look forward to building on our progress in the upcoming week as we prepare for this important milestone.